“Hetaerae” begins with the words, “I probably shouldn't tell you any of this. But I will.”

They're spoken in darkness, heightening the sense that all that's to follow is somehow illicit. That sets the stage perfectly for the provocations to come.

The piece, conceived by Laurie Dietrich, explores female sexuality through the ages and how it came to be uncoupled from the sacred. The title refers to the courtesans of ancient Greece, cultured, educated women of standing. Dietrich and the rest of the show's creative team raise questions about how sex workers moved from that elevated perch to the much lower rung they occupy today.

The piece consists of well-performed scenes that flow from one to the next, moving back and forth through time. In “Intake,” a modern dominatrix (Brandyn Miller) explains the rules to a potential client; in “Sangre Envenenada,” a Mexican prostitute (Monessa Esquivel, who also wrote the piece) in 1933 reflects on her work; “Descent” tells the ancient story of the goddess Inanna's (S.T. Shimi) trek to the underworld ruled by her sister Ereshkigal (Dietrich).

Dietrich describes “Hetaerae” as a “theater ritual,” and it does have that feel. That's especially true in “Descent,” which deals with all that Inanna gives up in order to make her journey; and in the movement pieces, most of which were choreographed to fine effect by co-director Sandy Dunn. One of the most striking segments is “Invocation,” in which a goddess (Miller) bound by a long red rope, struggles to rise.

The show boasts a sumptuous look, thanks to Billy Muñoz's gorgeous lighting, which makes good use of shadow, particularly in the pole dance piece “21st Century Temple”; and to co-director Erik Bosse's evocative video pieces, which are projected onto columns. Dino Foxx's sound design adds some additional texture.

“Hetaerae” is smart, challenging and well worth seeing.

Side note: The show also marks the debut of “Twitter Row,” seating at the rear of the theater set aside specifically for those who want to share their thoughts during the performance. No one availed themselves at Friday's opening performance, but there were a few takers during the rest of the weekend.

“Hetaerae” can be seen at 8 p.m. Friday-Sunday at Sterling Houston Theater at Jump-Start, Blue Star Arts Complex, Alamo at Probandt. A discussion with the artists follows Saturday's performance. Tickets cost $12 to $15. Visit jump-start.org to buy tickets online or call 210-227-5867 for reservations.